Xiaomi reset to factory settings: a complete guide with a result guarantee

Resetting Xiaomi’s smartphone to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only solution to fix software failures, viruses, or prepare the device for sale. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to a lock. MI-In this article, three proven methods of resetting (including hidden features) are used. MIUI), which work on models from 2020 to 2026, as well as instructions for recovery after a failed reset.

We're going to look at not only the standard reset, but also alternatives for when your phone doesn't turn on, your pattern lock is forgotten, or your system is damaged, and we're going to focus on saving data (including hidden MIUI folders), bypassing Mi Account locks, and diagnosing "No command" or "This device is locked." If you're planning to sell or transfer your smartphone, you'll find a checklist for a complete cleanup without any trace of your personal information.

1. When you need a factory reset: 5 good reasons

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary. Here are typical scenarios where the procedure is justified:

• 🐢 System lags and brakes: even after cleaning the cache and removing applications, Xiaomi “hangs” on simple tasks (for example, when opening a Gallery or Settings).
• 🔒 Forgotten password/pattern lock: if you can’t unlock the screen and Find Device is disabled.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware: especially if an antivirus (such as Avast or Dr.Web) detects threats in system files.
• 📦 Preparing for sale/transfer: Complete removal of accounts, photos, messages and even geolocation tags.
• 🔄 Failed update MIUI: After installing a new firmware version, the phone stopped turning on or cyclically restarts.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions (for example, a damaged motherboard or a charging connector), in such cases, a diagnosis is required at a service center.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or MediaTek) POCO M4 Pro) a fastboot reset may result in a loss IMEI. Before the procedure, check the processor model in Settings → The phone. → Full specification.

2.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure

Unprepared resets can result in loss of important data or locking the device.

Backup via Mi Cloud or locally|Make sure the battery level is > 50%|Unplug all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks)|Remember the username / password from Mi Account (required after resetting)|Check if the bootloader is unlocked (for fastboot methods)-->

Pay special attention to backup. MIUI has a built-in backup feature, but it doesn't save:

• 📁 Folders. DCIM/.thumbnails (photo miniatures).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (they will have to be re-entered).
• 🎮 Game saving (if not synced to the developer account).
• 📱 Xiaomi’s Second Space Settings).

For a full backup, use third-party utilities such as Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup. If root is not available, manually copy /sdcard/MIUI/Backup and /sdcard/Android folders to your PC.

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If you are using Xiaomi with a double SIM-Map, before reset, write down IMEI After the procedure, check them with the command *#06# - sometimes they are reset on models with MediaTek.

3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (for a working phone)

The safest method that's suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch. MIUI 12–14:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Reset (on some models – Reset all settings).
3. The system will prompt you to enter the password from Mi Account (if tied). Do not miss this step, without confirmation, the reset will not begin.
4. Confirm the action, wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

The MI logo and progress bar will appear on the screen. Don't interrupt the process - this can damage the /data partition. If the phone "hangs" on the logo for longer than 20 minutes, try forcibly rebooting it (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global may experience a "This device is locked" error after reset if Find Device was previously enabled. To avoid blocking, disable this feature in Settings → Mi Account → Find Device before reset.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If your smartphone doesn’t load or reboots cyclically, use Recovery Mode, which works even when your firmware is damaged, but requires care:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up until the MI logo appears, then let it go.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
5. Confirm the action, wait for the completion (the screen will appear the inscription Data wipe complete).
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

If the phone says no command after the reset, the recovery partition is damaged.

• Try re-entering Recovery by holding the buttons longer (20-30 seconds).
• If it doesn’t work, you’ll need a fastboot firmware (see next section).

5. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is not available (phone does not respond to buttons).
• 🔒 Device locked in Mi Account after failed reset.
• 📱 Requires a complete flashing (for example, after a failed update).

The work will require:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone, press Power + Volume down to log in to fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC, open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
4. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache.
5. If you need flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash recovery.img (replace file names with current ones from your firmware).
6. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On devices with a bootloader, fastboot erase commands may not work, in which case you will need to officially unlock through the Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).

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Fastboot resets all data without recovery, including files in internal memory, and should only be used in extreme cases where other methods do not work.

6.How to recover data after reset (if there was no backup)

If you have not made a backup, the chances of recovering the data depend on the reset method:

For recovery:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode (if it is turned on).
2. Use DiskDigger to scan internal memory (select Dig deeper for deep analysis).
3. If the phone is not identified, remove the memory card (if any) and scan it separately.

Important: Do not write new data to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of recovering old files.

7. Frequent errors after reset and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🔐 Error "This device is locked": appears if the Find Device was enabled. Solution - enter the password from the Mi Account to which the phone was attached. If you don't remember, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership (check, box).
• 📶 No network after reset: check if the settings have reset IMEI (type *#06#. If instead IMEI zeros are displayed - you will need to restore through MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek) or QCN-file (for Snapdragon).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: After reset, the system indexes files and optimizes applications, which increases charge consumption. Give the phone a 1-2 full charge/discharge cycle.
• 🎯 Sensor or buttons are not working: touchpanel firmware may be damaged. Solution - run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All tick.

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If MIUI features (such as Second Space or Game Turbo) are lost after reset, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware via Settings → System Update.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions